Your full Wanderlust guide to
Montserrat
The tiny Caribbean Island of Montserrat is a lively place although in part, for the wrong reasons. In 1995 its resident volcano rumbled into life.The volcano continues to steam today, adding extra excitement to a visit here. The island that once marketed itself as ‘the way the Caribbean used to be’ is still a fascinating, authentic destination with many hidden treasures to be discovered.
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Go diving – With low visitor numbers and healthy reefs, Montserrat is a colourful diving destination. Look out for turtles and sting rays.
Go turtle watching – In August and September, green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on Montserrat’s black-sand beaches; join a tour with the Fisheries Department to see them.
Take in the view from Jack Boy Hill – This look-out on the east coast offers fascinating views south across the lush interior to the mud flows and ash-covered remains of the volcano-devastated airport below.
Visit the volcano – The Montserrat Observatory continues to monitor the island’s volcano (and volcanic activity across the Caribbean). Experts are on hand to explain it all, while lookouts give good views. The volcano can also be viewed from safe vantage points such as Garibaldi Hill, Salem and Richmond Hill.
When to go to Montserrat
Montserrat is warm year-round and is most pleasant in the winter, between the months of December and April. Hurricane season runs from June to November. Montserrat comes alive during special events throughout the year, so be sure to add these events to your diary.
Getting around in Montserrat
Antigua is the main hub for international flights where you can get connections to Montserrat. The island is serviced by two nine seater airlines, Flymontserrat and SVG Air. During the high season there is a ferry service which operates between Montserrat and Antigua.
There are no scheduled bus services on the island, but there are taxis and minibuses which you can hail. Tours run around the main sites or you can rent a car to explore on your own.
Montserrat food & drink
Fish is plentiful and fresh – everything from salted cod to grilled scallops to lobster burgers.
The national dish is goat water, a thick goat stew eaten with bread.
Rum is the beverage of choice – visit the rum shops in Little Bay or Salem. Exotic fruit juices are also good – try tamarind, gooseberry and guava.
